Wall of dust sweeps through Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - A wall of dust swept through Lubbock Thursday evening, reducing visibility to near zero. Fortunately, the storms were not severe and the wind gusts were not as bad as expected.

KCBD's Cutter Martin explains:

As temperatures warmed, a persistent southerly or southeasterly flow developed across West Texas.

This resulted in sustained winds of 15-25 mph, and gusts in the 30-40 mph range. These winds, in combination with crusty soils due to recent rains, produced widespread dusty conditions and hampered visibility.

Storms began to develop across western New Mexico between 3:30-4 p.m. Storms continued to organize and produced small hail, gusty winds and flooding rain, especially near Carlsbad. Storms formed a large cluster and began to move eastward towards the South Plains.

Storms crossed the border, into Texas close to 5:30 p.m.

A few severe thunderstorm warnings were issued, mainly for gusty winds. Scattered reports of 60+ mph winds and small hail were received across the area, mainly in western areas.

As storms approached Hockley county, they weakened and released an outflow boundary (cool rush of air) which lofted a lot of dust.

This rush of wind expanded and continued to move eastward, which allowed for a well-defined 'wall of dust,' or Haboob.

Winds in Lubbock were not too bad (gusts 30-50 mph), but the dust did lead to isolated areas of very low visibility.

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Cary Allen

Clouds are in the forecast overnight tonight. A few sprinkles and flurries are possible late, mainly north of Lubbock. Gusty north winds continue through midnight. Temperatures fall into the 20’s and 30’s overnight. Wind chill values will drop into the teens and 20’s areawide by daybreak Sunday.